2017 Ultimate Iceland in Winter

With Kevin Raber and Daniel Bergmann. March 20–30, 2017.

3 places available

We are going to circumnavigate the island on this 10-day workshop and will be using specially modified 4×4 vehicles with large tires to get us anywhere we want to go, even through deep snow. The highlights will be ice caves in the Vatnajökull region, outlet glaciers and glacial lagoons, icebergs on a black volcanic beach, frozen waterfalls in the north, rugged mountains, coastal features, geothermal areas and the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis). The itinerary will be kept as flexible as possible to ensure that we’ll have clear skies to be able to photograph the Northern Lights. The winter conditions in Iceland can be stunningly beautiful: the smaller glacial lagoons freeze, some of the waterfalls are partially frozen and the glaciers appear more blue at this time of year. At the end of March the days are also getting longer with about 12 hours of daylight to work with.

The philosophy
This winter workshop is about improving your photography as well as experiencing unique and exciting locations. The leaders will be out photographing with you every day, helping you to realize the images you’re after and encourage you to explore and see the landscape in new ways. We are as passionate about photography as you are and participating in an intense photographic journey, with a group of like minded individuals, is a good way to grow as a photographer.

Frozen Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon

As leaders and instructors we’re always at hand to assist with specific techniques, such as Aurora photography at night, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss the philosophical aspect of our art.

As always, as a native Icelander, I am there to make the tours as successful as possible by using my local knowledge and experience to get us to the best locations in good light. It is my intention to give you an exciting and unforgettable journey through Iceland’s dramatic winter landscapes. And also to give you an opportunity to grow and expand your photographic vision. I have led a number of workshops in Iceland with my co-leader and good friend Kevin Raber, who is the publisher of the Luminous-Landscape website.

We’ll help you master your camera for the different types of photography we will be doing. Our evening will be times where we download and work on images, if not out chasing after the Northern Lights. Critique sessions will be available too. Prior to the workshop we’ll help you with tips on gear and how to prepare for the weather for this time of year.

Vatnajökull glacier ice cave

Accommodation and food
We will be staying in single en suite rooms at five different hotels. If you are traveling with a partner or a friend and want shares accommodation then the cost will be $750 less per person. Your comfort is taken seriously so all the hotels will offer a good standard of comfort and excellent food. Internet access will be available at all locations. All meals are included. If you have a special dietary requirement you will be accommodated – just be sure and let me know when you make your booking. Lunches will be taken on the road, either at service centers or cafés or as packed lunches.

The itinerary
As always in Iceland, the weather will be unpredictable and variable and we’ll have sunshine, snow, rain and wind. The dramatic weather is an essential part of what makes for fantastic photographic opportunities. But as this is Iceland in winter the itinerary needs to be kept flexible in case of bad weather.

March 20th is the designated arrival day to Iceland and accommodation in Reykjavik City that night is included in the workshop cost. The group will meet for dinner and an introduction in the evening.

On March 21st we’ll drive east to the Vatnajökull region where we’ll spend 3 nights at Hotel Smyrlabjorg, which is near the famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. From our home base we’ll explore the numerous glaciers in the area, make visits to the iceberg graveyard, where ice from the glacial lagoon gets thrown up on the black beach by the waves, and venture into the dreamlike world of ice caves. We will also make time for a visit to the Stokksnes peninsula to photograph Mt. Vestrahorn. The glacier area of the southeast is all about ice and hopefully we’ll have clear nights and Aurora activity.

After our stay by Vatnajökull glacier we’ll travel east on a rugged and winding coastline and will overnight in the town of Breiddalsvik. The following day we make our way north to Lake Mývatn, where we’ll be based for 3 nights. From our base at Mývatn we’ll explore geothermal areas and the snow covered landscape around the lake. We’ll also make visits to the major waterfalls up north, such as Godafoss. If snow conditions allow then we might also visit the mighty Dettifoss waterfall.

After our stay in the northeast we’ll head west along and spend a night at north coast in proximity to the famous landmark Hvítserkur. On March 29th we’ll finish the circle, with some detours, and find ourselves on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the evening where we’ll overnight in Keflavik. You can then depart Iceland any time you wish on March 30th.

The leaders
I am a native Icelander, a professional nature photographer and have been leading photography tours and workshops in Iceland since 2003. You can read more about me here.

Kevin Raber has been in the photography field all his life. For over 40 years Kevin has owned studios, ran color labs, been a vice president of Phase One and currently is the CEO and Publisher of the Luminous-Landscape and CEO of Rockhopper Workshops. Kevin has an extensive client list and a vast portfolio.